Chapter 17
The next morning, Kitty gathered her drawing tools and was ready to go out when she met Lord Stafford in the hall.
"What are you up to, Miss Bennet?"
"I was on my way out" she answered.
"I can see that, what I meant to say is, where are you going?"
"I was going out to draw, I do that every morning before everyone wakes up."
"And you are going out alone?" he seemed surprised.
"Yes. I am not going very far from here" she paused. "I suppose it is not very proper to go out on my own. I have been quite remiss in learning proper etiquette."
He smiled "I do not know the neighbourhood, so I cannot say what people would think here, but I was more thinking that it is not safe for a young lady to go out alone."
"Oh" she simply said. "But Aunt Owen has let me go out before, as long as she knew where I was, that is."
"In that case, I will not prevent from going. I would like to see your work when you have finished. Would you mind showing it to me?" he inquired.
She looked startled "Not at all, but do not expect anything spectacular. I love drawing and painting, but I find I have a hard time capturing landscapes properly. I am better at portraits, I think. I do not really know what it is that I should improve on as I have never had proper training. But it hardly matters as long as I enjoy it, I suppose" she explained.
"Then I will not keep you from your enjoyment, Miss Bennet" he bowed with a small smile and left her.
Kitty went out, and walked towards to the stream. When she arrived, she took out her surroundings for a few minutes. She started drawing when she was joined by Captain Talbot. "I saw you go out early, and was intrigued as to what could possibly draw a young lady out so early in the morning" he explained.
She smiled. "And what had you up early in the morning, Sir?"
"Sleeping in the same bed as my brother" he laughed "two tall men such as us in the same bed is one too many."
Kitty bit her lip "You are probably not used to such simple accommodation. I have often slept with my sister and I miss it sometimes."
"But I gather you sister is not too imposing, you are such a little thing yourself?"
She did not know whether to be offended at that comment. "What do you mean by that?"
"I have offended you? Forgive me if I have. My manners are somewhat lacking with young ladies. Too much time at sea I suppose," he looked sincerely apologetic.
"How often do you come back to England?" she asked, not taking her eyes off of her drawing.
"It depends. This is the first time I have been in England in two years. Before that, I went to India and to the Americas" he explained.
"You must have seen so many things. I have not travelled much. I have spent my whole life in Meryton, and only left for the first time a few weeks ago. We went to Wales, and then came here," she said enviously.
"I gather that you would like to travel? Where would you like to go?"
"Yes, I would like to. And anywhere I can. The Continent would be nice but with the war… although there is so much to see in England, that I would be happy to stay here and visit", then after a while "Captain, may I ask you something?"
He nodded his ascent. "Are you not afraid, when you sail? You could die against enemy ships or in a storm?"
He thought about it a little before he gave a reply, "I would be a fool not to feel fear. But I like the sea, I feel quite at home there and such freedom…"
"But what if Napoleon rose to power again?"
"You are quite interested in geopolitics I see. Not the kind of things I would discuss with a lady."
"Why ever not? Do we not need to be well informed? England's sons are fighting, does it not make sense that we know why?"
He smiled at her "I grant you, every lady who wishes to be well-informed should be. Let us discuss the war and its political intricacies then. But if you ever mention it to my mother, I will deny it" he chuckled.
And so, they did discuss it. It was enlightening for Kitty, to have someone explain her things and not treat her like a fragile and brainless girl. They barely saw time go by as they talked, and suddenly realized it was time for breakfast, so they returned home.
Mrs Barnes and her daughter later came to call, and the latter was in awe of Lady Stafford. Miss Barnes had explained that she was to go to London for her first Season, and she was thus told what she was to expect from Lady Stafford and Julia. They gave her advice on what to do or not do in order not to appear as a simple country girl. When they took their leave, Mrs Owen invited them to come to dinner and they happily accepted. It was not to be a very grand dinner, but it would allow her guests to have some company while there.
Dinner was very pleasant. Miss Barnes, upon arriving told Kitty she was quite nervous for she had never been in the presence of an Earl, but she was soon reassured that the gentlemen would not be condescending. Captain Talbot was his usual joyful self and made the most of the conversation with Miss Barnes, while Lord Stafford's grave countenance eased as the evening passed. Both gentlemen soon took to joking as was their wont, and Kitty was happy to see that they appeared more comfortable with country people than they had been when Lady Marianne and Miss Hayward had come. They all had a lovely time and Mrs and Miss Barnes left with plenty to tell their neighbours.
Kitty left again very early the next morning to start on her painting. She was quite satisfied with her drawing, so she decided it was time to add some colour. Captain Talbot joined her and helped her carry her supplies. They resumed their conversation from the previous day, and Kitty was glad she could continue her education. Captain Talbot also told her many naval stories, about his youth as a midshipman, and life onboard a ship. When they came back to the house, Lord Stafford was about to take his leave and head to London. They said their goodbyes and he thanked Mrs Owen and Kitty profusely for what they had done for his family, and told Kitty he hoped she would be allowed to join them in Linfield Park.
The next two days went by pleasantly. The doctor finally allowed Julia to go outside, so the whole party was invited to Mr Owen's, and the next evening to the Barnes'. Kitty finally received a letter from her father, and he gave her permission to go to Staffordshire. Mrs Owen had given him a favourable account of the family, so he said he would follow her judgement on this. The woman herself was glad for Kitty, but she was still worried that she may form an attachment to Captain Talbot, for she had noticed how they always went out together before breakfast. Mrs Owen had no objection towards the gentleman himself, but she feared he would leave the young girl heartbroken. Upon receiving Mr Bennet's letter, she decided to share her thoughts with Kitty.
"Do not worry about me Aunt, he is only a friend. Besides I know he does not intend to marry any time soon, so I would be foolish to get attached to him" she explained, "and you need not worry that I will behave badly. I will not embarrass you."
"Catherine, I am not concerned about your behaviour. And if only we decided who we fall in love with, life would be much simpler. But your feelings towards him could grow into something more than friendship, so I just want to be sure that you remain guarded. A man of his consequence will probably marry into money or title, or both."
"I know Aunt… But I am not in love with him… surely I would know if I was?" she pondered.
"Not always… Just promise me you will be careful with your feelings."
"I will. Thank you for everything you did for me. I will miss you, you know."
"And I will miss you. Who would have thought I would become so dependent on a young lady?" she laughed, "now, let us go pack your things!"
The departure was set for the next day, so the whole party went to call on the Owens' and Barnes' to say goodbye. Their last evening was as agreeable as the previous ones, and Kitty went to bed sad and excited at the same time.
Hello everyone! I am feeling in a generous mood today, so I posted 2 chapters ;)
Thank you for your encouragement and happy new year :)